04 July 2011 6:46 PM

He is known as grumpy Dr House throughout the world and it's a part that has made him the highest paid TV star in an American drama series, but today Hugh Laurie is cast in an unlikely new role, as the new male face for L'Oreal Paris Men Expert products.

"At first I thought it was a mistake, but then I realised that L'Oreal wasn't looking for models but for people with strong personalities, who are worth it...and who aren't afraid to proclaim that using cosmetics can be a very masculine decision after all," he said, speaking earlier of his appointment.

The men's grooming business has grown significantly over the past two years, with British men now spending more on skincare than ever before.